Ever since I was little, I always found myself inexplicably drawn to the water. Large or small, from the smallest pond to the ocean, you can always find me gazing out over the water. According to legend, it all began when I was two years old. We were taking a family trip to SeaWorld for my grandparent’s birthday party. During the dolphin show, I would cry and cry while the dolphin was under water; only to fall silent, transfixed by the strange creature that suddenly appeared from the still waters. Once it disappeared below the waves once more I would resume crying. This cycle continued even after the show, as my two-year-old self wanted a particular stuffed toy dolphin but lacked the words to express this. Fortunately for me, I had a great older brother who was able to decode my seemingly random wailings. To this day I still have that toy.
While I don’t remember the dolphin show itself, something clicked in my mind that day. I was determined to unravel all the mysteries of life underwater. I continued to read about all the types of aquatic life. Eventually I obtained my scuba certification, so I could get an even closer look of what lived under the water. Each and every experience leading me to the next crazy encounter.
Deep down, I know each body of water contains something interesting. The longer and longer I stare, the more amazing things I see. I could never bring myself to look away for even a second, because who knows what might jump from the waters the instant I look away. The next time you pass a stream, pond, or sea, I encourage you to stop, and let your gaze drift along with the waves. If you do, I guarantee you’ll get a small taste of the amazing world I try to immerse myself in every single day.
Iman Pakzad, Minnesota
Researcher, Fish Enthusiast, Baker, Student
While I don’t remember the dolphin show itself, something clicked in my mind that day. I was determined to unravel all the mysteries of life underwater. I continued to read about all the types of aquatic life. Eventually I obtained my scuba certification, so I could get an even closer look of what lived under the water. Each and every experience leading me to the next crazy encounter.
Deep down, I know each body of water contains something interesting. The longer and longer I stare, the more amazing things I see. I could never bring myself to look away for even a second, because who knows what might jump from the waters the instant I look away. The next time you pass a stream, pond, or sea, I encourage you to stop, and let your gaze drift along with the waves. If you do, I guarantee you’ll get a small taste of the amazing world I try to immerse myself in every single day.
Iman Pakzad, Minnesota
Researcher, Fish Enthusiast, Baker, Student